3 Basic Rules of Good Nutrition

With the amount of information that exists about good nutrition, you would think it was a big mystery. The truth of the matter is, there is no mystery involved in getting the proper nutrients that your body needs.

Many people are under the misconception that eating healthy is for the young because they are growing. That is not true at all. Tissue and cells are constantly being renewed in both children and adults so the failure for these elements to repair themselves can result in diseases, sicknesses and lifelong misery. To lower your risk of developing a disease and for optimum health, here are three simple steps to you should always follow.

Proper Hydration

Plain and simple, your body needs water. Being properly hydrated will benefit you from head to toe. Water keeps your cells hydrated and flowing throughout your body. It doesn't take long to witness the benefits of drinking sufficient water. Just a week of being hydrated and your skin will have a new glow. If you need to lose weight, water will help you achieve your goal.

There are numerous guidelines for how much water to drink. Drinking half your body weight in ounces is the most popular guideline but everybody have different needs so it may be more of less for you. With that said, to gauge how hydrated you are...check your urine. When you are properly hydrated your urine is almost clear. There is a such thing of water intoxication so you don't want your urine to be completely colorless.

Tip: In many instances, people misinterpret thirst for hunger. Unless it's been a few hours since you have eaten, have a glass of water the next time you have hunger pains and see if that does the trick.

Eating Healthy

In addition to being hydrated, you need to eat a variety of foods. Forget fad diets that restrict certain foods and leave you feeling hangry and frustrated. The key to healthy eating is to eat in moderation and variety. Your food choices should include a large percentage from complex carbohydrates, which is sufficient for energy. You should also consume several servings of fruits, vegetables, and grains every day. When it comes to protein and fat, you should limit them to two-three servings each day depending on your goals. By including all of these food groups in your diet, you are less likely to be hungry or have cravings for sweets and other non-nutritional foods.

Vitamin Supplementation

As long as you live in a country where food is plentiful and produced safely, you should have no problem obtaining the amount of vitamins and minerals your body needs. However, food allergies, dislikes, and illness may prevent you from eating certain foods. Some people (That's me!), for example, are lactose intolerant and cannot consume dairy products. In these instances, supplementation should become a part of a plan for healthy nutrition. You don't need a prescription to purchase vitamins, but it is a good idea to discuss your particular needs with your medical doctor. Consuming excessive amounts of some vitamins can cause toxicity and unpleasant side effects. Also, all supplements are not created equal so be sure to do your research to ensure that you get a quality product.

DISCLAIMER: This information is not presented by a medical practitioner and is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute professional advice or consultation with a Dietitians. No claim should be made to the creator for any damages that may result as results of following the tips and advice from this page. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before following any diet regimes. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read.